Buzzing Strings
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- This topic has 3 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 1 year ago by
Joanne Iles.
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July 17, 2021 at 8:46 am #48630
Joanne Iles
ParticipantI thought I’d share my recent experiences in case it’s of use / interest to anyone I the group:
I’d noticed a slight buzz coming from the D string so contacted my friendly local luthier who supplied this information:
1. As it is mainly when double stopping, then maybe the slot in the bridge on the D string has deepened to the point it causes buzzing, slacken the D and move the string out of the nick on top of the bridge, if the nick is narrow and deep (I.e deeper than 1/2 the thickness of the string), then try to widen it slightly then use a pencil to lubricate the slot.
2. How old and what type is the string?……old strings can get tired and wound ones can buzz when past their best
3. Check the chinrest and tailpiece for loose bits, screws, tailgut under the tailpiece touching the belly etc.
4. Make sure there is nothing IN the violin that may not rattle, but nevertheless is alien, I.e piece of cardboard, I’ve seen felt tip pen tops made sticky with toffee!Try these options first, see how you get on.
It turned out I just needed new strings but I did use a pencil to lubricate the bridge slots as well.
Also: I have a vintage fiddle and found that Dominants strings wouldn’t fit in the fine tuners slots so I had to replace like for like with Pirastro Tonicas instead, which are fine but don’t seem to last very long!
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July 18, 2021 at 8:34 am #48633
Emma
ParticipantThank you so very much for this information. I did not know about lubricating the bridge spots with a pencil. This is wonderful information.
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December 29, 2021 at 1:36 pm #53141
Kvmceff
ParticipantYes Pirastro is notorious for short life. There has to be something else that will fit! Keep looking. I suggest a peak at Joy Lee’s video on string choices. I think she did a nice job with her information.
Using pencil on the bridge and the nut slots is a good practice every time you change strings. As is giving the finger board a good scrub with the string out of the way.
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January 3, 2022 at 2:09 am #53209
Joanne Iles
ParticipantThanks for the info, I’ll have a look!
Since I posted I’ve found a few tips for fitting in the ball ends to the fine tuners ranging from pencils, toothpicks, knifes!
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